Adjusting Derailleurs on MTB

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Originally Posted by rick130

that shouldn't be happening......

Follow the procedures in the links above and things should be pretty reliable.
BTW, what sort of chains are you using ?

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Agreed. You shouldn't be breaking chains, even poor quality ones. Some people have problems with Sram "PowerLink" connectors and I tend not to run them (the links, not the chains).

Chains coming off at the front derailleur is not uncommon, but at the rear can be more of a problem, especially if you are getting the chain jammed between the hub body/spokes and cassette. Try adjusting the lock screw to stop the cage swinging too close to the spokes if that is the problem.

What sort of bike are you riding and what level Shimano gears?

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Originally Posted by Dave_S

Agreed. You shouldn't be breaking chains, even poor quality ones. Some people have problems with Sram "PowerLink" connectors and I tend not to run them (the links, not the chains).

Chains coming off at the front derailleur is not uncommon, but at the rear can be more of a problem, especially if you are getting the chain jammed between the hub body/spokes and cassette. Try adjusting the lock screw to stop the cage swinging too close to the spokes if that is the problem.

What sort of bike are you riding and what level Shimano gears?

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Giant Trance 02. Had guys at Phantom cycles go over bike and nothing out of alignment. I think what may have happened is that chain came off front deraill. between frame at full power and must have got twisted. replaced and onto cassette but a little later chain broke. After a number of breaks on same section of track - tangles wingello - I got a new chain (top of line according to phantom blokes.) Similar events and now onto third chain. (Forgot to say that had big problem with stick caught in front derailleur totally bending same and causing it to be caught by sprokets on cassette which made a mess - now straightened...)

I'll get onto adjustment this weekend when I get a bit more time ... cheers

This could be a silly question but are you using a proper bike stand to work on/fix your bike?

Trying to tune a derailleur when the bike is upside down (sitting on bars and seat) is near impossible in my opinion.

I found I needed the bike to sit upright and let the derailleur "hang" properly to get the best results.

Just a thought.:)

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Originally Posted by D110V8D

This could be a silly question but are you using a proper bike stand to work on/fix your bike?

Trying to tune a derailleur when the bike is upside down (sitting on bars and seat) is near impossible in my opinion.

I found I needed the bike to sit upright and let the derailleur "hang" properly to get the best results.

Just a thought.:)

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Agreed - yes have used upright position.

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Originally Posted by 29dinosaur

Giant Trance 02. Had guys at Phantom cycles go over bike and nothing out of alignment. I think what may have happened is that chain came off front deraill. between frame at full power and must have got twisted. replaced and onto cassette but a little later chain broke. After a number of breaks on same section of track - tangles wingello - I got a new chain (top of line according to phantom blokes.) Similar events and now onto third chain. (Forgot to say that had big problem with stick caught in front derailleur totally bending same and causing it to be caught by sprokets on cassette which made a mess - now straightened...)

I'll get onto adjustment this weekend when I get a bit more time ... cheers

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ahhh, now this makes sense ;)
BTW, Kerry @ Phantom has a great reputation, although I've never met the man.

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Originally Posted by Dave_S

Some people have problems with Sram "PowerLink" connectors and I tend not to run them (the links, not the chains).

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I've never had a problem with a Power Link, but the consensus seems to be that the Wipperman Connex connector is more reliable.
These days I've gone back to Shimano and run XTR/Dura Ace as I felt the shifting was nicer than SRAM (Roadie is still 9spd) and have a PC99 as a spare. When I lunched the back end of the roadie recently I still bought a new XTR chain, even though I had the PC 99 sitting there.

FWIW, even though I try and support my mates shop as much as possible, a new rear Dura Ace mech, XTR chain and Craft undershirt including freight to my door was cheaper from Pro Bike Kit in the UK than just a rear mech here with a discount in the store......:eek:
I still bought my new DT spokes, cable set and rim tape through him, but sometimes PBK pricing is hard to go past.

A bike repair stand is a great thing to have. The type I have is the Euro style fold up horse (well, it is a Tacx :D) where you lock in either the front or rear wheel and the bottom bracket to work on it. Very stable and folds for portability.
I've always worried about the top tube clamp style on beer can thing ally (or Carbon) tubing, but no one ever has a problem.